How much does it cost?

From £2,799 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $3,781 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is this an escorted tour or independent?

Escorted. An experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director team travel with you throughout, organising all rail, coach transfers, and guided city tours.

Which ship and what are the onboard facilities?

The five-star MS Amadeus Provence offers superb facilities including sun decks, a gala captain's dinner, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Cabins on a cruise ship vary; Great Rail Journeys provides details at booking.

What is the walking difficulty?

Guided walking tours occur in Avignon, Arles, Lyon, and Beaune. The Ardèche Gorge excursion involves viewing points and moderate walking. The itinerary is manageable for most fitness levels, though specific accessibility needs should be confirmed with the operator.

When does the tour run?

Great Rail Journeys offers departures in April, May, June, July, September, and October 2027.

Great Rail Journeys · River cruise

Provence & the Elegant Rhône

River cruise from London through Provence and Burgundy aboard MS Amadeus Provence

Great Rail Journeys operates this 8-day escorted river cruise departing London St Pancras and ending in Beaune. The journey combines rail travel by Eurostar and TGV with seven nights aboard the five-star MS Amadeus Provence, sailing the Rhône and Saône rivers through southern France and Burgundy. Days blend guided exploration of historic cities with relaxation on board; Day 2 includes a journey on the steam-powered Train de l'Ardèche through the Gorges du Doux, Day 3 covers Avignon and the Palais des Papes, Day 5 showcases the Ardèche Gorge, and Day 7 brings a Burgundy wine tasting in Beaune. All meals, drinks with dinner, and excursions are included, plus a dedicated tour manager and luggage service from home. The itinerary suits luxury-seeking couples and small groups who value guided comfort, fine dining, wine and food experiences, and cultural immersion without the demands of independent travel.

Price history

Across 5 checks, this price has held at £2,799 every time.

Each point is a day we checked this operator's own page, not a weekly average, and the line holds flat between checks rather than guessing at movement we did not see. 3 of 5 points are a live read of the operator's page. Hollow points are values shown when the trip was first listed here and never confirmed with the operator.

What to know before you look closer

Single supplement is GBP 1,200 (priceSingleFrom GBP 3,999), significantly above half the double rate.
Day 4 offers two optional excursions (Camargue Delta or Pont du Gard); the pack does not confirm both are fully included or if one is charged separately.
Departures are scheduled April through October 2027; no departures confirmed for other seasons or years.

Day by day

Day 1railovernight: Aboard MS Amadeus Provence, sailing to Tournon-sur-Rhône
Boarding our ship in Lyon
We meet the Tour Manager and travel group at London St Pancras and board the Eurostar to Paris, then continue by regional service to Lyon. A coach transfer takes us to the waterfront to board the MS Amadeus Provence, followed by a welcome cocktail and our first five-course dinner before we set sail for Tournon-sur-Rhône.
Day 2railovernight: Aboard MS Amadeus Provence, sailing to Avignon
The steam powered Train de l'Ardèche
We travel by coach to Tournon St Jean railway station to board the Train de l'Ardèche through the Gorges du Doux. We reboard our ship at Tournon-sur-Rhône and sail towards Avignon for lunch.
Day 3railovernight: Aboard MS Amadeus Provence, sailing to Arles
Exploring Avignon & Palais des Papes
A guided tour of Avignon including the Pope's Palace, taken via Le Petit Train d'Avignon. Free time follows before dinner on board and an overnight sail to Arles.
Day 4overnight: Aboard MS Amadeus Provence, sailing to Châteauneuf-du-Rhône
Arles walking tour, Pont du Gard or the Camargue Delta
A guided walking tour of Arles including the Arles Arenas and St Trophyme Cathedral, followed by a choice of excursion to the Camargue Delta or the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct. We sail overnight to Châteauneuf-du-Rhône.
Day 5overnight: Aboard MS Amadeus Provence, sailing to Lyon
The Ardèche Gorge, 'Europe's Grand Canyon'
A scenic tour of the Ardèche Gorge including the Pont d'Arc and Serre de Tourre viewpoints and the Lavender Museum, before rejoining the ship at Le Pouzin and sailing towards Lyon.
Day 6overnight: Aboard MS Amadeus Provence, sailing to Chalon-sur-Saône
France's gastronomic centre, Lyon
A guided tour of Lyon's Old Town and traboules concluding with a praline tasting, with a free afternoon before we sail to Chalon-sur-Saône overnight.
Day 7overnight: Aboard MS Amadeus Provence, sailing to Lyon
Arriving in the Burgundy wine region
A coach excursion to Beaune for a guided tour and Burgundy wine tasting, then we return to the ship and sail back towards Lyon, concluding with the gala dinner.
Day 8rail
Homeward bound
After breakfast we disembark in Lyon and transfer by coach to the railway station, boarding the train to Paris and the Eurostar back to London St Pancras.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2Day 2: Journey aboard the steam-powered Train de l'Ardèche through the Gorges du Doux, a nostalgic heritage train experience included in the package.
Day 3Day 3: Guided tour of Avignon via Le Petit Train d'Avignon, including entry to the Palais des Papes and the medieval papal quarter.
Day 5Day 5: Visit to the Ardèche Gorge with views from Serre de Tourre and the natural stone arch of Pont d'Arc, plus a Lavender Museum stop.
Day 7Day 7: Guided tour of Beaune with tasting of Burgundy wines (pinot noir and Chardonnay) in France's wine heartland.

Included

Tour Manager/Cruise Director team escorted throughout
7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Provence
Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
First & Standard Class rail options available
Eurostar Plus on First Class departures
All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day including a spectacular gala dinner
Drinks package with dinner every night of your cruise
Complimentary luggage service from your home to the ship and back (one case per cabin)
Superb excursions included

Not included

Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From £2,799 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $3,781 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?: Escorted. An experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director team travel with you throughout, organising all rail, coach transfers, and guided city tours.
Which ship and what are the onboard facilities?: The five-star MS Amadeus Provence offers superb facilities including sun decks, a gala captain's dinner, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Cabins on a cruise ship vary; Great Rail Journeys provides details at booking.
What is the walking difficulty?: Guided walking tours occur in Avignon, Arles, Lyon, and Beaune. The Ardèche Gorge excursion involves viewing points and moderate walking. The itinerary is manageable for most fitness levels, though specific accessibility needs should be confirmed with the operator.
When does the tour run?: Great Rail Journeys offers departures in April, May, June, July, September, and October 2027.